Dr. Carrico. After the endotracheal tube was inserted and connected, I listened briefly to his chest, respirations were better but still inadequate.
Dr. Perry arrived, and because of the inadequate respirations the presence of a tracheal injury, advised that the chest tube was to be inserted, this was done by some of the other physicians in the room.
At the same time we had been getting the airway inserted Dr. Curtis and Dr. White were doing a cutdown, venous section using polyethylene catheters through which fluid, medicine and blood could be administered.
Mr. Specter. Will you describe in lay language what you mean by a cutdown in relationship to what they did in this case?
Dr. Carrico. This was a small incision over his ankle and a tube was inserted into one of his veins through which blood could be given, fluid.
Mr. Specter. Is the general purpose of that to maintain a circulatory system?
Dr. Carrico. Right.
Mr. Specter. In wounded parties?
Dr. Carrico. Yes.
(At this point, Representative Ford entered the hearing room.)